In a discussion on the intricacies of football transfers, Mikel Arteta provides insights into the risky world of high-stakes player signings after Arsenal cancelled Nicolas Pepe’s contract.
Through notable examples and personal experiences, Arteta paints a vivid picture of the challenges, uncertainties, and immense responsibilities that managers face in the pursuit of top-tier talent.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, recently commented on the inherent risks associated with high-value transfers in football. He stressed that despite the hefty sums often involved, there are never any guarantees when recruiting perceived world-class talent.
Arteta’s remarks were prompted by inquiries surrounding Nicolas Pepe’s recent move to Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer.
Arsenal had to settle the remaining year on Pepe’s contract, marking an end to the player’s tenure in London.
Initially acquired from Lille in August 2019 for a then-club record of £72 million, the 28-year-old winger did not consistently meet the expected levels at the Emirates.
Pepe’s case isn’t an isolated one in the Premier League.
Other high-profile signings, such as Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho (£72m) and Tottenham’s Richarlison (£60m), have faced challenges. Several Chelsea players, procured at considerable expense, are also currently navigating through periods of heavy criticism and low confidence.
According to Arteta, these instances highlight the ever-present uncertainties, whether well-considered or impulsive, of the upper echelons of football’s transfer dealings.
He commented, “We are all human beings and you know that one plus one isn’t always making two. In the end, it’s a bet.
“When buying a player, it’s a bet – and that bet can go wrong… because it’s a human. You have to bring them from different countries, cultures, and styles of play. Then they have to live and adapt within a different system and environment.
“Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.”
Having overseen more than £400m worth of investment in players over the past three transfer windows, Arteta admitted he feels a deep sense of responsibility, especially when large sums are involved.
“I feel extremely responsible, especially when we’re demanding to buy players for huge amounts,” he said. “You have to make sure we’ve done the work to make it happen. But sometimes it doesn’t.”
Arteta also mentioned the unfortunate circumstances when setbacks occur outside of anyone’s control.
He cited the example of Arsenal’s recent acquisition, Jurrien Timber, who suffered a cruciate injury ruling him out for eight months, just as the new season was beginning.
Reflecting on Timber’s situation, Arteta explained, “Look at Jurrien. We’re extremely happy but, for a different reason, we don’t have him on the field. We paid a lot of money and he’s a player that’s going to be really important. But it’s not working at the moment because he can’t fulfil his job.”
While unforeseen challenges like injuries play their part, Arteta conceded that sometimes, managerial decisions can affect a player’s performance. “Sometimes they’re not fitting in because they’re not playing well enough – and the coach makes so many mistakes that he doesn’t get the best from a player.”